Jonny Simpson

Bodybuilding Cystic Fibrosis sufferer wins first title

HE transformed himself from a seven stone weakling into an iron-pumping powerhouse, intent on becoming the first-ever cystic fibrosis sufferer to enter a bodybuilding contest.

And now Jonny Simpson has gone one better. . . he’s won a competition!
The 25-year-old can now call himself Mr Athletic 2012. And he now has his sights set on taking part in Mr Universe.
“Six years of hard work are finally paying off,” said Jonny, of Penrith, Cumbria.
Weightlifter Jonny, a chef by trade, took up bodybuilding six years ago in a defiant bid to overcome his cystic fibrosis symptoms and prove that anything is possible.
Cystic fibrosis - or CF as it is known - is an inherited condition caused by a faulty gene that affects around 8,500 people in the UK. It attacks the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.
The life expectancy of those with the condition is 36 to 38 years, but Jonny is determined to live well beyond this.
Having joined a gym and taken up jujitsu he discovered a passion for weight-lifting – and he’s never looked back.
And last week saw his biggest achievement.
I won the Mr Athletic category in the Mr Elite competition,” said Jonny. “It’s not the biggest of wins, but I’m really pleased because it’s my first win. It was an online contest, where entrants had to get votes from people, and I got the most.
“Next up is the qualifiers for Mr Universe which happen in November in Manchester and if I get through that I’ll get to compete in Europe.”
Jonny gets a shock when he sees photos taken before he picked up the weights and fully believes his passion for the sport has boosted his health.
“Six years ago when I first took it up I weighed just 7st and had really bad lung function, when they start considering you for a lung transplant.
“They didn’t think I’d live past my 20s.
“Now I’m more than 11st and I’m 25, living my life to the full and I don’t think people would know I even had cystic fibrosis unless they see the scars from where I’ve had to have operations.
“There’s so many health benefits so I would like to develop my website into a proper business, encouraging others to follow my regime. I want to be a bodybuilding champion and I really feel like I’ve beaten the odds.”